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In 2013, I braved a year without any resolutions at all. Going with the flow and winging my way through months of crazy, exciting, humbling and teaching experiences. In 2014, I went through a year of steadiness and introspection. Taking my time in sorting out personal issues while keeping only a select few close.

Hungover 2014 on the first of January 2015

A year ago, I wrote my three words for 2015. When I wrote those three words, they were only words that I longed to develop in myself. At that time, they felt empty and unachievable. Looking back at the year that was, I can’t help but remember a favorite quote of mine, “When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”And the universe conspired, it did.

The growth that I’ve experienced in 2013 and 2014 were mostly personal milestones. Learning how to respect my self, getting myself to open up to new experiences, people and feelings (good and bad). Pouring out my love towards work, friends, family, God and the hardest, my self. I started off the year with no plans, I was simply armed with the belief that I was genuinely happy and that I had the desire to live out new three words.

2015 was refreshingly different, a far-cry from the steady year I thought it would be. Life gave me unexpected circumstances and opportunities to live out my three words. I trusted myself a bit more, in time and in God. I balanced work and play, my finances and my crazy eating habits. I stayed committed to my goals. To laugh and love more. To remain grateful and to acknowledge all of my blessings both big and small. All of these words were lived out, but not in the way I expected it to be.

I find it so timely to realize that life will always work itself out. In unexpected ways. Even when you feel that you’re not ready. Even when it seems that you don’t have the plans nor the answers. Even when you can’t imagine how to get through it given the circumstances. And so for 2016, I am braver with my new set of three words. Words that will be guide, words that will keep me grounded, and words that will help me through life’s surprises.

ACCEPT.

There were many times in 2015 where I felt frustrated because I realized that I had trouble accepting how things were. And so, this 2016, I hope that I’d gladly accept..

God’s Perfect Timing – To always exude patience and temperance. To never worry too much most especially about things that I cannot control.

Differences – To embrace the fact that everyone is unique and will respond differently to life’s circumstances. To accept that there will be people who will help you grow and some that you’d need to let go. To learn that despite differences, there will always room for kindness and love.

Personal Limitations – To practice kindness and to never be too harsh on myself. To acknowledge that self-development includes accepting my own vulnerabilities. To understand that its okay to move on from unfulfilled expectations and disappointments.

CONQUER.

I have always had this obsession with “being ready”. But 2015 taught me that life will happen whether you’re ready or not. So for 2016, I will be bold and I will claim that I will conquer over…

Life’s Challenges – To live life to the fullest. To always have a sense of power over my life. To be responsible for my actions and their outcomes. To never falter even when things don’t go as planned.

My Negativity and Fears – To live each day excited and assured that things will eventually work out. To see everything as an opportunity to learn and grow. To eliminate self-doubt. To never have regrets because of fear. To always take courage and take chances.

ENJOY.

I’ve had the tendency to ruminate, and this habit of mine sometimes leaves me panicky when I should just learn to enjoy…

The company of loved ones – To always make room for loved ones may they be old or new. To show genuine kindness and care. To be generous with my time, words and actions. To always express gratitude. To love fiercely without expecting anything in return.

The Present – To embrace every experience life brings — may it be difficult, messy or beautiful. To focus on making the now more meaningful. To always be adventurous. To always remember that wherever I am is where I’m meant to be at that moment.

2015 was definitely something that I did not expect and I cannot be any happier for the year that was. And just like that, here comes another chapter.